India Religion Blog

What's going on in the world of Indian religion? This India Religion Blog shares past and present news and basic details on India's many faiths. Whether you're searching for the light or simply want a better understanding of India's more prominent religions, thank you for visiting!

Singing for the Dead

A Hindu reflects on relationships, memories, and death rituals at the Ganges.

Three Kings Day in Mumbai & Goa

January 6 is the day many Christians celebrate Epiphany, or Three Kings Day. Although technically they were wise men/magi and not necessarily kings, we do know they followed a star to give three gifts to a little king who would lead a humble life and sacrifice all to give grace and freedom to all who come to him. This is what the celebration looks like for some Christians in India.

Happy Independence Day!

Guru Purnima Coming Up...

Hindus celebrate Guru Purnima as the birthday of Guru Vyas, believed to be the author of many vedas and puranas. But Buddhists and Jains also celebrate this holiday for different reasons. Find out why!

Christian Recordings in the Languages of India

For anyone who's interested, this links to audio and video recordings matched to various areas of India. The site as a whole offers Christian materials in around 6,000 different languages from around the world.

Akshaya Tritiya / Akha Teej

Happy Ascension Day (One Day Late)!

The 40th day after Easter marks the day of Jesus' ascension into Heaven. Although not universally celebrated by Christians, this little-known holiday is about a big idea: the filling of the whole universe with His light and life.

Indian Nun Challenges Theologians

According to Sister Shalini Mulackal, Christian theologians will have no credibility unless they are willing to share 'the minimum amount of suffering with the poor.' Are theologians who fall short willing to hear and live up to that challenging standard for love of their neighbors?

Coming up for Jains...Jnan Panchami!

Jnan / Gyan Panchami is the last day of Diwali celebrations for Jains. A recipe for kesar sandesh sweets is included along with information on the types of jnans (knowledge) honored on this special day.

Onam Festival

The Onam Festival is coming up soon! It's a harvest festival in Kerala for people of all faiths. Check out the legend of the asura king behind it, as well as the dances and celebrations that are part of this huge carnival.

Trends in Religious Restrictions

Pew Report showing trends in religious restrictions (social and governmental) worldwide. Although India's official restrictions don't rank high on this report, it shows the second-highest incidence of religion-related social hostilities. Globally speaking, Christians were the most frequently harassed faith group.

Girl Pursued by Police After Converting to Wed

Church/Elderly Nun Attacked by West Bengal Gang

So sad when fear and hate lead some to use violence and rape to tear apart those who believe differently. Indian Christians should feel free to worship as they believe without fearing some of their neighbors or government officials.

Puri Rath Yatra 2015

The Anglo-Indian Dialect

Jhaap, blessed, boozard, abli... This 15-minute clip shows quirks and dialects of the Anglo-Indian community around the world. (Made from outtakes of the documentary End of the Raaj by Anglo-Indian-Australian Paul Harris.)